Search - Henry Johnson :: Evening at Sea

This is the real thing!

Bob Hollis | Colorado Springs | 12/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am excited enough to write a review about this CD but where do I start? The liner notes tell the whole story. Buy the CD and read them. Perhaps it is best to merely say: Henry Johnson, Kenny Drew, Jr., Paul Humphrey, Larry Gray, Vanessa Rubin. I first heard Henry on Joe Williams' Ballad & Blues Master and I was hooked. Tasty, bluesy and jazzy. I always wanted to hear Henry live! and out front. This is the CD I've been waiting for. It starts out in 5th gear and stays there. Inventive, personal, straight-ahead jazz guitar with a definitive tone that is to-die-for. Kenny Drew, Jr.s musicianship is a comfortable fit; outstanding, but not overpowering. It clearly supports the vibe of this performance. You can almost see the grins on the faces of Henry and Kenny as they toss out some surprising musical quotes. It's kinda like having some dessert before you finish your vegetables. Vanessa Rubin is featured on a memorable version of "I've Got The World On A String" which does not stray from the straight-ahead feel of this recording. The fact that this is one of those "impromptu gathering of musicians" recordings only adds to my awe. Not all of the "classic jazz guitar recordings" were made forty years ago. This is one of them."